Starting Problems

[Loyalcamry]

I tried to start my car (98 Camry CE) after parking for about an hour, the car would not turn over. It made a kind of whirring sound as it was trying to start, not like that clanky dead starter sound, more of a soft sound. I walked away to find a tow truck phone # and when I got back, it started fine. This has happened twice in the last little while. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

[LynchburgCSI]

Well, could be a few things. Dead battery? Did all the power seem to get sucked away when you trying to start it? Bad starter? Can you try hitting it with a hammer when it does this again? That almost always points to a bad starter? Bad starter solenoid? ...If nothing else seems to work.

[TOYOPARTSMAN]

I would check to make sure you have a good strong battery, if it isn't the battery more likely than not, since it is intermitenly, I think that your starter contacts maybe getting worn. Starter contacts are small brass metal pieces that over time get worn out. In any case, you need to be sure which one is going bad before you proceed. But should it turn out to be the starter, I have added my two cents worth below and my opinion.

You can choose to either replace a starter or the starter contacts. In either case, the starter will have to come out. The advantage of doing a starter would be unbolt old bolt in new. Disadvantage: price.

Contacts: Advantage: price, much cheaper than a new starter, chances are, this is all that is bad. Disadvantage: only the contacts get replaced and the labor involved. You still have to remove the starter then disassmeble the old starter partially and reinstall starter. Notthing else gets changed so if something else in the starter is bad, you won't know until you put it back in. I recommend this procedure for people who are trying to save money, or don't plan on keeping the car for very much longer.

That isn't to say that a contact replacement alone is a sure sign that the starter will fail quickly. I have known people to do this procedure and the starter has lasted for another few years.

I hope this information serves you and other members well. If you or any other member has any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Originally Posted by Loyalcamry

I tried to start my car (98 Camry CE) after parking for about an hour, the car would not turn over. It made a kind of whirring sound as it was trying to start, not like that clanky dead starter sound, more of a soft sound. I walked away to find a tow truck phone # and when I got back, it started fine. This has happened twice in the last little while. Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

[peshwa]

Toyota OEM starters are absolutely sturdy. I had similar experience as you when my camry would start sometimes and then it wouldn't. When it doesnt start just try turning on the key to ON position quick! That way I was able to induce a "shock" and the car always started at this attempt.
Eventually I ordered a starter contact replacement kit from ebay (both starter contacts+a plunger ~30 bucks shipped) pulled out my starter and replaced the parts myself.
No problems ever since. That was an year ago and couple of thousand miles ago.
But that was not before a mechanic fleeced me for 200 bucks replacing the Neutral Safety Switch which was not the problem at all.
All the best and let us know what you decide. TN can point you in the right direction.